Applications open for prestigious orchestral experience scheme

Applications are now open for the upcoming Ann and Peter Law OAE Experience Scheme, providing gifted young orchestral period instrumentalists the chance to rehearse and perform alongside the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Directed by OAE principal violinist Margaret Faultless and OAE Director Cherry Forbes, this two-year project running between January 2026 and December 2027 is aimed at players who have already finished or are finishing their studies. Participants will be involved in and be mentored by the OAE’s world-class musicians in a variety of events across the year.

Across the two years there will be three Classical Academy courses and one or two Baroque Academy courses, allowing students unrivalled access to Margaret and other principal players in coaching and mentoring sessions, with performance opportunities at the end of each course. All scheme members will also be offered two lessons with OAE players of their choice, the chance to observe rehearsals and to participate in a range of education projects.

As well as performances for the Experience Ensemble, there are opportunities for extracurricular chamber music-making, and participants may be considered for extra work in the main orchestra. Previous participants in the scheme have gone on to form professional groups, such as Joseph Lowe of the Lowe Ensemble – a recent recipient of Continuo Foundation grants.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 7 November 2025, with places available for strings, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani and harpsichords. Full application and audition information is available on the OAE website.

The Ann and Peter Law OAE Experience Scheme is supported by the Henocq Law Trust, The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, The Roger and Ingrid Pilkington Charitable Trust and the Stanley Picker Trust.